Watching the news and seeing the disturbing footage of a U.S. Postal Service mailman brutally beating a beloved, friendly peacock in Pasadena left me distraught and outraged. "Sugar" the peacock, as he is known to locals, was aggressively and unnecessarily attacked by a mailman, including repeated attacks with a stick, injuring him and requiring care. Sugar is currently being treated at The Pasadena Humane Society. This beautiful bird, a staple of the neighborhood and adored by many families, was taunted and viciously attacked for no apparent reason. Such acts of mindless aggression and violence, especially from a public servant in uniform, are unacceptable and must be met with serious consequences.

Peacocks have long been a cherished part of our local community and are often seen wandering gracefully in gardens, offering their spectacular plumage for public enjoyment. This particular peacock had a reputation in Pasadena for his gentle demeanor and had become an unofficial ambassador of local charm and tranquility. To see him subjected to such inhumane treatment is a heartbreaking betrayal of community trust and decency.

The mailman's behavior is not only a criminal act according to animal cruelty laws in California, where it is a felony to intentionally and maliciously maim or mutilate a living animal, but it is also a violation of the ethical standards we expect from those in public service. But what good are the laws if they are not enforced? Studies show that those who abuse animals are 5 times more likely to commit violent crimes against humans than non-animal abusers. This is not an isolated incident; it speaks to a larger epidemic of animal cruelty that must be taken seriously. Mail carriers encounter animals on a daily basis and must be able to interact with them humanely with sense, kindness and composure.  When one is not able to do so, both the USPS and local law enforcement must take strong, decisive action to prevent any repetition of this appalling incident. 

We call on the U.S. Postal Service to immediately terminate the employment of the mailman involved in this violent act and to cooperate fully with law enforcement in prosecuting him to the full extent of the law.  Animal welfare organizations and concerned residents of Pasadena must demand justice for this peacock and a firm stand against such cruelty. 

Please join me in sending a powerful message that as a society, we will not tolerate violence against animals, and we insist that those in positions of responsibility behave with integrity and compassion. Please lend your voice to this cause and help ensure that justice is served by signing this petition. Together, we can demonstrate our commitment to protecting the voiceless and ensuring our community remains a safe and nurturing environment for all its inhabitants.